Although structural elements are paramount to any home, people tend to forget the existence of window lintels. These small and unassuming components leather weight above windows and doors. Bear in mind that depending on the age of your building as a homeowner, it is important and beneficial to explain the bearing walls and lintels in particular. Instead of dealing with expensive damages in the future, a simple window lintel repair queens will suffice in the presence of such problems as cracks or sagging. Take good care of the window lintel no matter how old your house is, and no matter whether it is the time of purchase, renovation, or maintenance.
A weak lintel has impacts on all walls of the house, and this is worse when the homeowners live in areas where the weather has a high impact and the buildings are old, like Queens, yet they must think of the window lintel repair queens.
WHAT IS THE WINDOW LINTEL?
Window lintel is a horizontal beam situated right across the upper part of the window, or door opening. Its main function is to support the weight of the wall above the opening and channel it to the walls on both sides of the opening.
The types of lintel materials used are:
- Steel
- Concrete
- Brick
- Wood
- Stone
Lintels are mostly concealed within the structure of the building, hence there is no chance for them to get destroyed except in cases where they are wet expansion.
WHY IS THE WINDOW LINTEL SIGNIFICANT?
The lintel by its very nature is not just decoration. There’s more to the lintel than simply forcing it to ‘sit pretty’ as it has other structural roles within the building and includes:
- Supporting the portion of the wall that is above the opening and at the same time acting as a buffer at this point
- Ensuring that cracks or sagging is well controlled in the masonry wall
- Ensuring proper installation of window and door frames in the vertical alignment
- Enhancing the strength and durability of the building
Even if bricks or blocks are accompanied by pillars, without a firm lintel, the bricks or blocks would slide, causing costly damage.
INDICATIONS FOR LINTEL WINDOW REPAIR
These performances should not be taken lightly.
- Cracking in bricks of the walls above windows or doors
- Drooping window sills or window frames that do not fit properly in their positions
- Discoloration due to controlled skillion ceilings or roof vents or leaking at gables which lead to weakened mortar
- Wetness around the windows is another signal of a problem
- Noticeable Opening and Bending
It isn’t better for the structure if you wait to fix the walls as they are or consider a lintel window repair if any of the cases is present.
Case Scenarios That Call for A Window Lintel Replacement
Repairing sometimes does not suffice. In these situations, a window lintel replacement is recommended:
- The lintel has undergone attack resulting in serious cracks or corrosion
- Water has destroyed the structure internally
- Several failed attempts have been made to treat the cause
- Enlarging and remodeling a building of the existing one
Restoration of the damaged lintel is a good way to enhance the strength and raise the cost of the property for a long time.
Moisture Induced Damages Due to Window Leaks and Lintel Defects
One of the frequent problems related to a defective lintel is the water damage from leaky windows. Lack of use of a lintel to control water penetration through walls will lead to water damage including molding and rotting of the wood and also staining of the walls. Discovering the issues with the lintel early enough will save costly repairs and frustrations related to health conditions caused by moisture penetration.
Final Thoughts
A window lintel is not simply a component that is hidden behind the walls of a house but a workhorse but made for structural purposes. From supporting vital loads to managing water, it is an integral part of your house. Be it small repair or replacing your window lintel completely, don’t disregard these symptoms. If your issue is the window lintel repair queens, call the best experienced local person you know. Take care of your house by starting with Lintels.